Bid awarded for Veteran’s Pier

Tuesday

Sep 24, 2013 at 12:01 AM

The Tuscarora Township Board recently awarded a bid for the engineering design and construction management pieces of the Veteran's Pier project to the low bidder, Gourdie-Fraser, Inc., of Traverse City.
Trustee Craig Waldron said the bids totalled just more than $33,000 and were well below those submitted by two other companies. He said the board anticipates the engineering design work to be conducted throughout the fall and winter and finished in time for a spring groundbreaking.
As the construction management firm, Gourdie-Fraser, Inc., will oversee contractors and sub-contractors and will be on scene during the construction to deal with a variety of issues that can develop during any large project.
Gourdie-Fraser, Inc., has been the subject of some criticism in Indian River in relation to its involvement with the township's controversial proposed sewage treatment facility. Many local residents have questioned the firm's credibility considering some problematic work on sewage facilities in other Northern Michigan municipalities.
Waldron said the firm is involved in numerous projects throughout Northern Michigan and has successfully completed work in the township including a boat launch project and a subdivision.
Total cost for Veteran's Pier is estimated at $549,000. More than $165,000 was raised locally. The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is providing a grant for $384,900.
Renowned as a great fishing spot with beautiful sunsets, the pier will be at DeVoe Beach at the mouth of the Indian River, running parallel to the existing jetty. The barrier-free design will give users universal access to the pier and to handicapped-accessible restrooms on the public beach. The ramp leading to the pier will make it easy for elderly, disabled and families with children in strollers. And, those in wheelchairs will be able to fish from the pier safely. There will be low-voltage lighting at foot level.
Additional local funds raised beyond the $165,000 required under the grant will be used for cost overrides and enhancements to the project including a kiosk that will provide a history of the inland waterway system, an explanation of the fish species and acknowledgement to the Burt Lake Preservation Association for its leadership role in the pier project.